These conditions can present as physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches), disruptive behavior (including unexplained anger), lack of focus, obsessive worrying, irritability, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes.
![nursing journal article physical trauma battle nursing journal article physical trauma battle](https://www.nursebuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/how-to-be-a-trauma-nurse-infographic.jpg)
The effects of ACEs can manifest throughout an individual’s life, from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.Ĭhildhood trauma increases the risk of developing psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. The brain perceives the memory as an actual threat, placing it in an elevated alert state, and making the person feel trapped in their own, never-ending emotions. When having a traumatic thought, the hippocampus becomes less active, and the brain can’t distinguish between actual trauma and a memory. This results in the body being overcome with fear but unable to control the feeling.Īs the brain’s memory center, the hippocampus also is responsible for distinguishing between the present and the past. When an individual thinks about a past traumatic event, the amygdala is activated while the prefrontal cortex is suppressed.
![nursing journal article physical trauma battle nursing journal article physical trauma battle](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/71/be/77/71be7769a91a39baa73a7cc37280472c.jpg)
They work simultaneously to manage stress. Trauma’s main effect on the brain involves the hippocampus (the memory center), the amygdala (the fear center), and the prefrontal cortex (the center that regulates emotions and controls functions). This lack of screening and education about the importance of TIC makes nurses’ bedside behavior critical to preventing patient retraumatization. However, trauma screening doesn’t occur during most healthcare visits and a substantial amount of trauma history goes unnoticed. Proper screening can help patients feel more comfortable and provide them with the support they need. Many patients may not disclose trauma information out of fear of retraumatization. According to Palmieri and Valentine, 82% of sexual assault and intimate partner violence survivors would report a traumatic event with appropriate screening measures whereas, only 24% would disclose their trauma history if not properly screened. Universal trauma screening increases the chances of a patient reporting their trauma history.
![nursing journal article physical trauma battle nursing journal article physical trauma battle](https://d13i5xhouzkrd.cloudfront.net/56f8b62e-0776-4652-9b5b-b507b4027a48/previews/output-19.png)
The prevalence of trauma requires screening of all patients in all healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 61% of adults have experienced at least one type of ACE, and nearly one in six report having experienced four or more types. Although the actual trauma may subside by adolescence, emotional effects, psychological consequences, and health complications can follow the individual well into adulthood. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.” Adverse childhood events (ACEs) occur between birth and age 18 and can include neglect, witnessing or experiencing emotional or physical abuse, sexual assault, and living in a household with challenges such as parental divorce or separation, household member incarceration, or a parent with serious mental illness or substance use disorder.Īccording to SAMHSA, more than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by age 16. Author Guidelines and Manuscript Submission.